Beth Vyse: Edinburgh Fringe 2016 interview

Last year’s Edinburgh Fringe show As Funny as Cancer was a monumental achievement, blending Beth Vyse’s very personal story of surviving cancer with her trademark surreal props and masks.

This year sees the return of that excellent show as well as a new show featuring Beth’s character Olive Hands (think Jane McDonald but on 40 vodka redbulls and having been spun in a washing machine).

How are you today?

I’m ok thanks, very stressed about Edinburgh, but anyone who is going up is a little bit stressed ey?? Still got lots of props to make, characters to write, staples to lick, dogs to bark etc . I’m taking two shows up this year which means my head’s completely up my own arse, and I’m trying not to let this happen but it’s difficult. Come and see me in week two of de burgh, I’ll be calmer by then.

Are you ready for another month of Edinburgh Fringe action?

F**K no.

At this stage, how closely does your programme blurb match the content of your show?

Actually they both are kinda correct, but then again one still needs writing, but don’t worry Jane McDonald will be in there somewhere for you Thomas Meek, I know you’re a fan…

What are your tips for getting people to see your show?

“As Funny As Cancer” will hopefully sell itself and that show is pretty much there, I took it too Edinburgh last year and toured around New Zealand, so I’m pretty happy with that, anyway the clues in the title with that one.

Olive Hands in “All Hands To The Pump” is a little more tricky, it’s a sequel to “Get Up With Hands” my Character show from 2yrs ago, of course no one will know this, the Fringe audience is a fickle one. But I will sell sell sell it on the streets, perhaps go around to few gay bars, it will be big, brash and booshy with a certain working class charm. This year it’s all set on cruise ship going to North Korea as Olive can’t work on land anymore and so she is skint and needs to get to her small but loyal following in North Korea to start he Career again. What can go wrong??

Who are you sharing a flat with this festival and how will you help each other survive the month?

A right bunch of Bellends, Ali Brice he’ll have his balls on show for the whole month no doubt, Adam Larter he’ll be out flyering from 6am, Luke Chaperione he’ll be asleep all the time, Gareth Morinan he’ll be being a legend, oh yea and Joz Norris he’ll bring the femininity to the flat. They are all helpful chaps though if your show’s in a bit of pickle.

Any shows you’re particularly excited about seeing?

Sure, Richard Gadd’s show is great I saw an early preview can’t wait to see it again. James Acaster’s show is obviously stonking, looking forward to Felicity Ward’s show but I’m always on look out for someone new that’s weird and wonderful, oh and everything at Heroes of course.

Other than the great shows, what else are you looking forward to about your trip to Edinburgh this year?

Not working and just doing shows… (I love doing shows)

Salt and sauce on your chips?

Rubber and salt sir, rubber and salt.

Here’s a space to write about anything you want. Go for it.

Ok well my two shows this time are very very very different “As Funny As Cancer” is a heart felt and uplifting piece about my journey through cancer and that’s on at The Gilded Balloon this time and the other “All Hands To The Pump” is a complete mess about, stupid, silly, mind bending, ridiculous piece about Jane MacDonald, Daytime stars, pregnancy and water. Expect audience interaction, subversive, immersive, submissive theatre.

I guess I’m giving every aspect of me this fringe and f++k it why not.